THE PERCEPTION OF PARENTS ON OVER-SCHOOLING OF CHILDREN AT THE PRE-PRIMARY EDUCATION
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
Background of the Study
The concept of a child differs from one culture to another. Some cultures regard one as a
child if one is not married, no matter one’s age. According to Opara (2012), a child is a young
person, especially between infancy and youth. In the Nigerian Legal system, a child is one that is
below the age of 18 years. This is because the person cannot vote or be voted for. He/she is not
also qualified to drive. This is in line with article 1 of the Convention on the Right of the Child
by United Nations. Furthermore, Umobi and Igu (2010) define a child as a boy or a girl at any
age between infancy and adolescence, a new infant, or a person of any age in relation to his
parents.
The Federal Republic of Nigeria (2004) in her National Policy on Education posits that
the pre-primary school child falls within the age bracket of 0-6 years while Maduewesi (1999)
views pre-primary school children as young children between 2-5 years engaged in specially
designed academic programmes before the age of formal schooling. It is necessary that all who
are involved in the education of the child understand and get acquinted with the pre-primary
school child.
The pre-primary school children possess certain characteristics which are peculiar to
them. According to Abidoye and Agusiobo (2000), these pre-school children are egocentric. That
is, they view the world from their own perspectives. They are curious in nature. Their world is
filled with excitement. The curiosity varies according to the center of interest at any given time.
The children love exploration and in fact, they are investigators. Their love for exploration is
demonstrated in their spoiling of new toys and trying to put them together again. Abidoye and
Agusiobi(2000) see the children as being energetic and because of this, they cannot sit still for
long periods of time. They prefer to do things than listen. Even while listening, they move their
bodies restlessly. These pre-school children like to achieve their objectives. They often spend
unusual length of time and efforts to solve problems that interest them. Problem solved gives
them a feeling of satisfaction and a sense of accomplishment. Hence, they are persistent.
More interestingly, children are valuable assets from God.